Knysna High School has confirmed that it launched a misconduct investigation after a video of a learner using the k-word surfaced on social media.  

In the video, a learner is seen inside the school’s hall during what appears to be a school event, when she uses the racial slur. She and her friends then laughed. 

In a statement issued at the weekend, Knysna High principal Mark Mosdell said that meetings and interviews will be held with all parties, ahead of a disciplinary hearing. He said the findings are reported to the principal, who refers the matter to the School Governing Body (SGB) to convene a hearing. 

Mosdell advised that this is the usual procedure when disciplinary issues are raised.  

He added that the disciplinary process is not only for punishment but also aimed at being “both corrective and restorative”. He said that sanctions may involve community-based intervention programmes to help learners “make amends for their actions and being educated about both their actions and how to make better decisions.” 

The principal noted that meetings between the school’s management and the representative council for learners would be taking place this week to discuss the situation.

“Currently the school is in contact with the WCED at Head Office and the MEC’s office to ensure that this matter is dealt with correctly.” 

Meanwhile, Mosdell urged learners not to be swept up in online debate.  

“I request that all learners try to remove themselves from the toxic, binary conversations that occur on social media platforms.” 

He further reminded learners, especially matriculants, of the importance of avoiding these debates, and instead to focus on their exams. 

“Focus on this, it is something in your immediate sphere of control, and trust that the School will deal with the rest fairly, responsibly and restoratively,” he said.